In Ft. Lauderdale, Matthew DeFranks reported the Panthers during their remaining six Thursday home games are "offering $5 beers." The promo begins with the Jan. 25 game against the Capitals. The team additionally announced plans for remaining Friday games in which the first 10,000 fans entering BB&T Center will "receive giveaway T-shirts." And for remaining Tuesday games, the team will "sell $10 tickets for certain sections." The Panthers rank 28th in the NHL in average attendance this season, topping only the Coyotes, Hurricanes and Islanders (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 1/8).
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES: In Calgary, Eric Francis reported Flames RW Jaromir Jagr is "in the midst of talks ... to amicably cut short his tenure with the club," but his three months with the franchise still "had a positive impact on the organization." Jagr's presence "created a buzz around town that translated into ticket sales and massive jersey sales." His addition to the Flames was a "remainder that the NHL is all really about entertainment, which his mere presence provided" (CALGARY HERALD, 1/8).
WATCHING SNOW MELT? On Long Island, Arthur Staple noted it is "fair to wonder" whether Islanders President, GM & Alternate Gov. Garth Snow's job is secure as the club is "sliding to a second straight season outside the playoffs." If the Isles end up in the NHL Draft Lottery again this spring, it "would be hard to see" team co-Owners Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin "standing pat" and retaining Snow (NEWSDAY, 1/7).
